Speaker: Dave Towey, Assistant Professor in the Division of Computer Science at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Title: Metamorphic Testing: Software Testing without an Oracle
Abstract: In software testing, something which can verify the correctness of test case execution results is called an oracle. Frequently, however, this oracle does not exist, or exists but is too expensive to be used, a situation known as the oracle problem. Metamorphic testing (MT) is a testing approach which uses metamorphic relations, properties of the software under test represented in the form of relations among inputs and outputs of multiple executions, to help verify the correctness of a program. MT has been used to alleviate the oracle problem in various applications and to enhance several software analysis and testing techniques. It has been observed that identification of a sufficient number of appropriate metamorphic relations for testing, even by inexperienced testers, is possible with a very small amount of training. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of the approach can be enhanced through the use of more diverse metamorphic relations. In this talk, I will outline some of the background and success stories of metamorphic testing, and highlight some of the current and future research in the area.
Biography: Dave's background includes a BA/MA in Computer Science, Linguistics and Languages from The University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD); a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from The Open University of Hong Kong; an MEd in Education Leadership from The University of Bristol (expected completion: August, 2014); and a PhD in Computer Science from The University of Hong Kong (HKU).
After graduating from TCD, Dave worked in Japan in the late 1990s, helping develop a breast cancer screening tool using ultrasound imaging technology and fuzzy reasoning. After this, he lived in Hong Kong from 2000 to 2005/2006, where, as well as completing his PhD, he worked as a demonstrator at HKU, and as a teacher and teacher trainer in the local school system. In 2005/2006, he became involved in a newly created liberal arts college in Zhuhai, Mainland China, the Beijing Normal University--Hong Kong Baptist University: United International College (UIC), where he remained until 2013. While at UIC, he worked with the Computer Science and Teaching English as a Second Language programmes (departments), and the English language Centre. In September 2013, he left UIC to join The University of Nottingham Ningbo China.
Dave's research interests span a number of areas, including technology-enhanced instruction and learning and software quality assurance, with a current focus on software testing.
In his spare time (when his 3 year old son gives him any), he enjoys travelling, yoga and martial arts.